Method and apparatus for adjusting the closing force of a door

ABSTRACT

A method of adjusting the closing force of a door coupled to a door closer assembly having a bias element. The method includes determining the kinetic energy of the door without using the weight or other dimensions of the door. The determined kinetic energy is used to adjust the closing force of an electro-mechanical door closer that includes a spring and a motor. The door includes the use of one, some of, or all of an accelerometer, an angular position sensor, a time to close, a breaking torque, and a controller to identify values of acceleration, velocity, and/or position of the door. The identified values are provided to the controller, which is configured to calculate the kinetic energy of the door. The calculated kinetic energy is used to determine the closing velocity of the door closure to ensure proper operation of the door at the point of installation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a door and a door operator,and more particularly to a door operator configured to close the door ina controlled manner.

BACKGROUND

Door operators are configured to move a door from an open position to aclosed position under control of a spring mechanism, a motor, a valve,or other actuators. When closing the door, in particular, the dooroperator is configured to control the speed at which the door is closedto ensure that the door doesn't close too slowly or too quickly. Thedoor operator typically includes features, such as potentiometerpresets, which are set to a predetermined location before or duringinstallation to ensure that the door operates within an effectiveoperating range. Door operators are also known as door closers.

Certain manufacturers of door hardware follow certain agreed tostandards which specify that a door's kinetic energy should bemaintained within a predetermined operating range. Currently themanufacturers or installers of door closers use a lookup table in orderto determine the specified operating region of the door and the doorcloser, and then manually set the required presets of the door closerparameters. To set the operating characteristics of the door closer,certain door features, which include the weight of the door and otherdimensions, must be known. These characteristics of the door, however,are not easily determined at the point of installation or once a doorhas been installed. Consequently, adjustment of the door closer at thepoint of installation can be problematic. There is a need, therefore,for ensuring the door closer has been properly calibrated at the pointof installation, without knowing the door characteristics prior toinstallation of the door and the door closer.

SUMMARY

As described herein, a method for adjusting the closing force of a doorcoupled to a door closer assembly having a bias element includesdetermining the kinetic energy of the door without using the weight ordimensions of the door, such as height and width. The determined kineticenergy is used to adjust the closing force of an electro-mechanical dooractuator that includes a spring and a motor. The door includes the useof one, some of or all of an accelerometer, an angular position sensor,a time to close, a braking torque, and a controller to identify valuesof acceleration, velocity, and/or position of the door. The identifiedvalues are provided to the controller which is configured to calculatethe kinetic energy of the door. The calculated kinetic energy is used todetermine the closing velocity of the door closure to ensure properoperation of the door at the point of installation.

In one embodiment, there is provided a method for adjusting the closingforce of a door coupled to a door closer assembly having a bias element.The method includes: placing the door in a first position; initiatingmovement of the door from the first position to a second position;measuring movement of the door from the first position to the secondposition; determining a mass moment of inertia of the door as a functionof the measured movement; determining the kinetic energy of the door asfunction of the mass moment of inertia; and modifying an operatingcharacteristic of the door closer assembly as a function of thedetermined kinetic energy to adjust the closing force of the door closerassembly.

In another embodiment, there is provided a method for adjusting theclosing force of a door coupled to a door closer assembly having a biaselement and a controller configured to control movement of the door froman open position to a closed position. The method includes: placing thedoor in an open position; initiating movement of the door from the openposition to the closed position; determining at least one of a pluralityof operating characteristics with the controller during movement of thedoor including: (i) an acceleration of the door, (ii) a torque value;(iii) an angular position of the door; and (iv) a period of time for thedoor to move from a first position to a second position; and determininga mass moment of inertia of the door using the determined one of theplurality of operating characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a door operator coupled to adoor and to a door frame.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of selected components of the dooroperator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of selected components of the dooroperator illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of various positions of a door.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a process to calibrate a door operatorusing an accelerometer.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a process to calibrate a door operatorusing an angular position sensor.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a process to calibrate a door operatorusing both an accelerometer and an angular position sensor.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a process to calibrate a door operatorusing an angular position sensor in combination with a determined timefunction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modificationsin the described embodiments, and any further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates.

FIG. 1 illustrates a door frame 72 configured to pivotal mount a door 74with one or more hinges, one of which hinge 76 is shown. A door operator100 includes an operator body 110 and an arm assembly 120 connectedbetween the body 110 and the frame 72. The body 110 is mounted on thedoor 74, and the arm assembly 120 is connected between the body 110 andthe door frame 72. In other embodiments, the body 110 may be mounted onthe frame 72, and the arm assembly 120 may be connected between the body110 and the door 74. An accelerometer 78 is located on the door 74 andis electrically coupled to the door operator 100. The accelerometer 78,in different embodiments, is located on the door at the point ofpurchase or is mounted to the door at the point of installation. Theaccelerometer 78 is connected to the door operator 100 either wirelesslyor through a hardwired connection 80. In other embodiments, theaccelerometer 78 is located within the door operator 100. In differentembodiments, the accelerometer 78 includes one of mechanical andelectrical accelerometers. Different types of electrical accelerometersinclude piezoelectric, Hall-effect and semiconductor.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the body 110 houses various internalcomponents of the operator 100, including a pinion 112 which isrotatable about a rotational axis 102. The body 110 may also include acase 118 including an opening 119 operable to receive an end of thepinion 112. The body 110 may further include a rack drivingly engagedwith the pinion 112, a spring or other bias element 116 engaged with therack, and an actuation mechanism 150 in communication with thecontroller 140 (see FIG. 3), both of which are disposed within the case118.

The arm assembly 120 generally includes a first arm 122, a second arm124, and a bracket 126. A first end of the first arm 122 includes a hub121 which is coupled to the pinion 112, and a second end of the firstarm 122 is pivotally connected to the second arm 124. For example, theend of the pinion 112 may have a non-circular cross-section, and the hub121 may have an opening 123 configured to mate with the end of thepinion 112. The second arm 124 is pivotally connected to the first arm122 by a first pivot joint 125, and is pivotally connected to thebracket 126 by a second pivot joint 127. While the illustrated armassembly 120 is configured as a scissors-type arm assembly, it is alsocontemplated that the arm assembly 120 may include a single arm. Forexample, the second end of the first arm 122 may be slid into a trackmounted on the door 74 or the door frame 72.

As seen in FIG. 2, a sensor 130 is mounted on the body 110 and isassociated with the arm assembly 120. More specifically, the sensor 130is positioned between the first arm 122 and the casing 118 such that thefirst arm 122 overlaps the sensor 130. The illustrated sensor 130includes an opening 131 sized and configured to receive the hub 121and/or the end of the pinion 112. The sensor opening 131 is aligned withthe case opening 119. The pinion 112 and/or the first arm 122 extendthrough the openings 119, 131. As described in further detail below, theillustrated inductive sensor 130 is operable to sense a rotationalposition of the first arm 122. While the sensor 130 in the instantembodiment is associated with the arm assembly 120, it is alsocontemplated that the sensor 130 may be associated with another elementof the operator 100.

As seen in FIG. 3, the sensor 130 is an inductive sensor that interactswith a conductive target 103 that has a position corresponding to theposition of the door 74 such as, for example, the arm 122 or anotherelement of the operator 100. As would be appreciated by those havingskill in the art, an alternating current flowing through the inductor togenerate a magnetic field 133 by which the target 103 can be inductivelylinked.

Interaction of the sensor 130 with target 103 is a function of thedistance, size and composition of the target 103. Thus, changes in thedistance, position and/or orientation of the target 103 with respect toinductive coil sensor will cause a variation in the sensed position ofthe target 103 with respect to the sensor 130. The sensor 130 isconfigured to generate an output signal corresponding to one or more ofthe variable characteristics affected by interaction between the sensor130 and the target 103. In other embodiments, the sensor 130 is amechanical sensor and the target 103 engages the sensor 130 at amechanical interface between the sensor and the target. In oneembodiment, the sensor 130 provides a signal to the controller 140 whichdetermines from the signal an angular position of the door 74 withrespect to the frame 72.

The controller 140 is in communication with the sensor 130, and mayfurther be in communication with an actuation mechanism 150. Asillustrated, the controller 140 includes a processor 140′, a sensor unit141, an accelerometer unit 142, a determining unit 143, and a memory146. As described in further detail below, the sensor unit 141 isconfigured to activate the sensor 130 and to receive data from thesensor 130. The accelerometer unit 142 is configured to receive datafrom the accelerometer 78. The determining unit 143 is configured todetermine an angular position of the door using information receivedfrom the sensor 130 or an acceleration value of the door usinginformation received from the accelerometer 78.

The memory 146 is a non-transitory computer readable medium having datastored thereon, and is in communication with the processor 140′. Thedata stored on the memory 146 may include, for example, one or more setsof instructions 147, one or more look-up tables 148 and/or additionaldata 149. The instructions 147 may be executed by the processor 140′ tocause the processor 140′ to perform one or more functions such as, forexample, the functions associated with one or more of the describedunits. While the illustrated controller 140 is housed within the body110, it is also contemplated that the controller 140 may be positionedelsewhere on the operator 100 or externally to the operator 100.

The processor 140′, in different embodiments, is a programmable type, adedicated, hardwired state machine, or a combination of these, and canfurther include multiple processors, Arithmetic-Logic Units (ALUs),Central Processing Units (CPUs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) or thelike. Other forms of processor 140′ include multiple processing units,distributed, pipelined, and/or parallel processing. The processor 140′may be dedicated to performance of the operations described herein ormay be utilized in one or more additional applications. In the depictedform, the processor 140′ is of a programmable variety that executesalgorithms and processes data in accordance with defined by programmedinstructions (such as software or firmware) stored in memory 146.Alternatively or additionally, the operating logic for processor 140′ isat least partially defined by hardwired logic or other hardware. Theprocessor 140′, in different embodiments, is comprised of one or morecomponents of any type suitable to process the signals received frominput/output devices, and provide desired output signals. Suchcomponents may include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or acombination of both.

The memory 146 includes one or more types, such as a solid-statevariety, electromagnetic variety, optical variety, or a combination ofthese forms. Furthermore, the memory 146 includes, in differentembodiments, volatile, nonvolatile, or a combination of these types, anda portable variety, such as a disk, tape, memory stick, cartridge, orthe like. In addition, the memory 146 is configured to store data thatis manipulated by the operating logic of the processor 140′, such asdata representative of signals received from and/or sent to the dooroperator in addition to or in lieu of stored program instructions, justto name one example.

The actuation mechanism 150 is configured to regulate the rotationalspeed of the pinion 112, thereby regulating the angular speed of thedoor 74 during opening and/or closing events. The actuation mechanism150 may alternatively be referred to as a pinion control mechanism or aspeed regulating mechanism. The actuation mechanism 150 may include anactuator 152 configured to perform actions in response to commands fromthe controller 140. The actuator 152 may, for example, be anelectromechanical actuator such as a motor, solenoid orelectromechanical valve.

In certain embodiments, the actuator 152 may be a motor. For example, inone embodiment, the operator 100 is provided as a door actuator, and themotor may rotate the pinion 112 to actively urge the door 74 in theopening direction during opening events. In other embodiments, theactuation mechanism 150 may include a valve in a hydraulic damperassembly. For example, the operator 100 may be configured as a doorcloser which regulates the angular speed of the door 74, but does notactively urge the door 74 to the open position.

In different embodiments, the operator 100 includes a plurality of dooroperation devices which are adjustable to alter the operatingcharacteristics of the operator 100, which adjusts the operationcharacteristics of the door in opening and closing cycles. The dooroperation devices include door opening and closing cycle devices,including an opening speed device, a back check speed device, a holdopen time device, a delay device, a closing speed device, a latchposition device, and a back check position device.

As the door 74 moves, the position, distance and/or orientation of thetarget 103 changes with respect to the sensor 130, thereby causing thesensor 130 to generate an output signal indicative of one or more of thevariable characteristics of the sensor 130. For example, the converter136 may generate a digital output signal having a value corresponding toan angle of the door 74 with respect to the frame 72.

FIG. 4 illustrates the door 74 during an illustrative opening andclosing process with respect to the frame 72. The door 74 has a range ofpositions 80 including a closed position 82, intermediate positions 84and 88, and an open position 86. As will be appreciated, the arm 122 hasa plurality of arm positions each of which correspond to one of the doorpositions 80. Generally speaking, the door 74 moves from the closedposition 82 toward the open position 86 during an opening motion, andmoves from the open position 86 toward the closed position 82 during aclosing motion. A full open/close motion includes moving the door 74from the closed position 82 to the open position 86, and subsequentlyreturning the door 74 to the closed position 82.

In order to determine a preferred operating range of the door,particularly, in a door closing operation, one embodiment includesdetermining a kinetic energy of the door using the accelerometer 78. Theaccelerometer 78 determines the angular acceleration of the door. Whenused in combination with a torque value, which is determined by thecontroller 140, and a time to close, the mass moment of inertia (MMI) ofthe door is determined by dividing the torque value by the angularacceleration. The determined value of the MMI is used by the controller140 to calculate the kinetic energy when multiplied by one-half (½) andthe square of the integral of a determined angular acceleration,including a determination of angular velocity.

The controller 140 is configured to determine kinetic energy of the doorusing known mathematical equations. For instance, the kinetic energy, inone embodiment, is determined with the following equation:

${KE} = {\frac{1}{2}I\; \omega^{2}}$

Where:

-   KE=Kinetic Energy-   I=Mass Moment of Inertia-   ω=Angular Velocity

The torque value is determined with the following equation:

τ=1a

Where:

-   τ=torque-   α=Angular Acceleration

In the embodiments described herein additional equations are used by thecontroller 140 to determine angular position (θ) and angular velocity(ω) as follows:

$\theta = {{\omega_{0}t} + {\frac{1}{2}\alpha \; t^{\; 2}}}$

Where:

-   θ=Angular Position-   t=

${\omega (t)} = \frac{d\mspace{11mu} \theta}{dt}$${\alpha (t)} = \frac{d^{\; 2}\theta}{{dt}^{\; 2}}$θ(t) = ∫ω(t)  dt ω(t) = ∫α(t)  dt τ = f(sf, gd)

Where:

-   f(sf,dg)=a function of spring force and door geometry

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a process 200 using theaccelerometer 78 to set a preferred operation range of the door. Theprocess includes manually opening the door, once installed, to an openposition, such as 90 degrees, with respect to the door frame at block202. Once the door is placed in the open position, the door operator 100is placed in a calibration mode at block 204, which is determined bysoftware instructions located in the memory 146 and which is performedby the controller 140 throughout the calibration mode. The open positionof the door, in different embodiments, is determined by an angle sensordetermining that the door is at the open position or is set by aninstaller though a switch or other signal transmitted to the controller140. Once the calibration mode has been set, the door is released ormoved from the open position at block 206. The controller 140, uponrelease of the door, determines a time at which the door is released, byinitiating a timer for instance. The controller 140 then applies abraking torque, or braking force, using the actuation mechanism 150,such as a motor, to dampen the closing motion of the door at block 208.In one embodiment, the applied braking torque is zero. The brakingtorque is determined by the controller 140 using acceleration dataprovided by the accelerometer 78. Stored software instructions residentin firmware, in one embodiment, are used by the controller to apply thebraking torque. As the door closes, the controller 140 determinesacceleration versus time, which is stored by the controller in memory146.

Once the door has reached the door closed position, which can bedetermined in one embodiment, by engagement of the door latch with thedoor frame, the controller 140 determines the total amount of time takenfor the door to move from the open position to the closed position atblock 210. Once closed, the time to close value and the accelerometerdata are stored in memory 146. Upon storage of the data, the controllerdetermines a net torque change using spring data, which includes a knowndefault starting torque/spring force set at the factory and stored inthe memory. The determined spring displacement versus the angularposition of the door is determined by the controller 140 by calculatinga double integral of the stored angular acceleration at block 212. As isknown by those skilled in the art, by twice integrating acceleration, anangular position is determined. Consequently, in this embodiment, anangular position sensor is not required, as the accelerometer dataprovides the desired position information.

Using this information, the controller 140 determines a mass moment ofinertia of the door using the stored value of acceleration over time andthe net torque at block 214. After block 214, the controller 140 usingthe determined MMI, the determined angular velocity, and time to closeto calculate the kinetic energy at block 216. At block 218, thecontroller then determines a preferred operating region of the doorwhich is defined according to the door setup/installation requirements.The determined preferred operating region is used by the controller 140to control closing of the door.

In one embodiment, the controller 140 uses the determined preferredoperating region to control the actuation mechanism during closingmovements of the door. In other embodiments, the controller providescontrol device settings to the installer, who in turn manually sets thecontrol devices to the provided settings. In another embodiment, some ofthe control device settings are manually set by the operator and thecontroller electrically controls closing of the door through theactuation mechanism 150. Once the MMI is calculated, a maximum kineticenergy for safe door operation is determined. The kinetic energy of thedoor can then be limited via the angular velocity of the door by motorbraking, automatic hydraulic valve adjustment, or manual adjustments.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a process 300 using the angularposition sensor 130 and the application of a constant braking torque asdetermined by the controller 140 to set a preferred operation range ofthe door. The angular position sensor, in different embodimentsincludes, but is not limited to, a potentiometer and an encoder. Theposition values, provided by the position sensor, are used inconjunction with a torque value (which is measured by the controller140) and with a time to close value to determine the MMI of the door.The MMI of the door is determined by dividing the average torque valueby the second derivative of angular position (angular acceleration)

As seen in FIG. 6, a zero location data point is determined by thecontroller at a door closed position at block 302. The zero locationdata point is the value of the bias element force determined as afunction of a known default starting torque/spring force which is set bythe manufacturer and stored in memory. Once the zero data point has beencalculated, a first data point, corresponding to the angular position ofthe door with respect to the frame at the closed location, is stored inmemory at block 304. The door is then manually opened at block 306 to anopen position, such as 90 degrees. Once at the open position, thecontroller calibrates the open position at block 308 by measuring therotation of the pinion 112, which in turn is used to determine springforce. A second data point is determined and stored in memory by thecontroller 140 at block 310. Once the first and second data points havebeen determined, the controller 140 computes a net spring torque of thebias element using the first and second data points as end points atblock 311.

After the net spring torque is computed and stored in memory, the doorcloser 100 is placed in a calibration mode by the installer at block312. This calibration mode is activated by either a mechanical orelectrical actuation of a switch, the actuation of which is recognizedby the controller 140. The door is then released from the open positionat block 314. As the door moves from the open position to the closedposition, the controller 140 applies a constant calculated brakingtorque using the actuation mechanism 150 and displacement information atblock 316. The applied constant braking torque dampens the closing ofthe door. At the same time, a time to close from the open position tothe closing position is determined by the controller 140. The determinedtime to close, the predetermined amount, and the position data arestored at block 318. The stored position data is used to determine anangular velocity, by a first derivative, and is used to determine anangular acceleration, by a second derivative of the position data atblock 320.

Once these values have been determined, the controller 140 determinesthe MMI of the door using determined angular acceleration and determinedtorque at block 322. The controller then determines at block 324 thekinetic energy of the door by using the determined MMI, the angularvelocity, and the time to close. At block 326, the controller determinesa preferred operating region of the door which is defined according tothe door setup/installation requirements. Once the operating region ofthe door is determined, the door closer 100 is configured to meet thedefined operating regions.

In an embodiment 400 of FIG. 7, an accelerometer and an angular positionsensor are both utilized to calibrate the door closer 100. In thisembodiment, the use of both the angular position sensor and theaccelerometer reduces software and/or firmware calculations. Theaccelerometer is used to determine the angular acceleration of the door.When used in conjunction with a torque value (measured by thecontroller) and two known angular positions using the angular positionsensor, the MMI is determinable by dividing the measured torque value bythe angular acceleration. The kinetic energy is then determined usingthe derivative of the angular position sensor data to determine angularvelocity, which is squared and which is then multiplied by 1/2 thecalculated MMI.

As seen in FIG. 7, a zero location data point is determined by thecontroller at a door closed position at block 402. The zero data pointis the value of the bias element force which is determined as a functionof a known default starting torque/spring force which is set by themanufacturer and stored in memory. Once the zero data point has beencalculated, a first data point, corresponding to the angular position ofthe door with respect to the frame at the closed location, is stored inmemory at block 404. The door is then manually opened at block 406 to anopen position, such as 90 degrees. Once at the open position, thecontroller calibrates the open position at block 408. A second datapoint is determined and stored in memory by the controller 140 at block410. Once the first and second data points have been determined, thecontroller 140 computes a net spring torque of the bias element usingthe first and second data points as end points at block 411. At block412, the door is placed in the calibration mode by the installer.

The door is then released from the open position at block 414. As thedoor moves from the open position to the closed position, the controllerapplies a constant calculated braking torque using the actuationmechanism 150 and displacement information as seen at block 416. Theapplied constant braking torque dampens the closing of the door. Thecontroller 140 determines the time to close from the open position tothe closed position at block 418. Using data provided by theaccelerometer 78, the controller accelerometer stores the closing cycleacceleration data at block 420. Angular position data is derived withrespect to time to obtain angular velocity data at block 422. Thecontroller 140 then determines at block 424 the MMI of the door usingacceleration data and the calculated braking torque determined at block416.

The controller 140, at block 426, determines the kinetic energy of thedoor by using the determined MMI, the angular velocity, and the time toclose. At block 428, the controller then determines a preferredoperating region of the door which is defined according to the doorsetup/installation requirements. Once the operating region of the dooris determined, the door closer 100 is configured to meet the definedoperating regions.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a process 500 using an angularposition sensor to determine an angle of a door versus a time functionof the door to move from an open position to a closed position. Theangular position sensor, when used in conjunction with a torque valueand a time to close, is used to determine the MMI of the door. The MMIis determined by dividing the average torque by the second derivative ofangular position (angular acceleration).

As seen in FIG. 8, a zero location data point is determined by thecontroller at a door closed position at block 502. The zero data pointis the value of the bias element force which is determined as a functionof a known default starting torque/spring force which is set by themanufacturer and stored in memory. Once the zero data point has beencalculated, a first data point, corresponding to the angular position ofthe door with respect to the frame at the closed location, is stored inmemory at block 504. The door is then manually opened at block 506 to anopen position, such as 90 degrees. Once at the open position, thecontroller calibrates the open position at block 508. A second datapoint is determined and stored in memory by the controller 140 at block510. Once the first and second data points have been determined, thecontroller 140 computes a net spring torque of the bias element usingthe first and second data points as end points at block 511.

After the net spring torque is computed and saved in memory, the doorcloser 100 is placed in a calibration mode by the installer at block512. This calibration mode is activated by either a mechanical orelectrical actuation of a switch, the actuation of which is recognizedby the controller 140. The door is then released from the open positionat block 514. As the door moves from the open position to the closedposition, the controller 140 determines and stores the position of thedoor versus time at block 516. The determination provides a velocity ofthe door moving from the open position to the closed position.

The stored position data is used to determine an angular velocity, by afirst derivative of the position data, and is used to determine anangular acceleration, by a second derivative of the position data, atblock 518.

Once these values have been determined, the controller 140 determinesthe MMI of the door using determined angular acceleration and determinedtorque at block 520. The controller then determines at block 522 thekinetic energy of the door by using the determined MMI, the angularvelocity, and the time to close. At block 524, the controller determinesa preferred operating region of the door, which is defined according tothe door setup/installation requirements. Once the operating region ofthe door is determined, the door closer 100 is configured to meet thedefined operating regions.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and thatall changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinventions are desired to be protected.

It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable,preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the descriptionabove indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, itnonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may becontemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope beingdefined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intendedthat when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least oneportion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only oneitem unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When thelanguage “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item caninclude a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated tothe contrary.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for adjusting the closing force of adoor coupled to a door closer assembly having a bias element,comprising: placing the door in a first position; initiating movement ofthe door from the first position to a second position; measuringmovement of the door from the first position to the second position;determining a mass moment of inertia of the door as a function of themeasured movement; determining the kinetic energy of the door asfunction of the mass moment of inertia; and modifying an operatingcharacteristic of the door closer assembly as a function of thedetermined kinetic energy to adjust the closing force of the door closerassembly.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the modifying an operatingcharacteristic includes modifying a closing rate of the door.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising determining a net torque of thebias element during the movement of the door from the first position tothe second position; and determining the mass moment of inertia as afunction of the measured movement and the determined net torque.
 4. Themethod of claim 3 wherein the measuring movement includes measuringmovement by determining an acceleration of the door during movement ofthe door from the first position to the second position; and determiningthe mass moment of inertia as a function of the determined accelerationand the determined net torque.
 5. The method of claim 4 furthercomprising restricting movement of the door during movement of the doorfrom the first position to the second position; and determining the nettorque of the bias element as a function of the restricted movement. 6.The method of claim 5 wherein the restricting movement of the doorincludes restricting movement by applying a constant braking force. 7.The method of claim 5, wherein the restricting movement of the doorincludes restricting movement of the door by applying a variable brakingforce.
 8. The method of claim 3, wherein the measuring movement of thedoor from the first position to the second position includes measuringone of: (i) an angular acceleration of the door, (ii) an angularposition of the door; and (iii) a time for the door to move from thefirst position to the second position.
 9. The method of claim 8, whereinthe first position is an open position and the second position is aclosed position.
 10. A method for adjusting the closing force of a doorcoupled to a door closer assembly having a bias element and a controllerconfigured to control movement of the door from an open position to aclosed position, comprising: placing the door in an open position;initiating movement of the door from the open position to the closedposition; determining at least one of a plurality of operatingcharacteristics with the controller during movement of the doorincluding: (i) an acceleration of the door, (ii) a torque value; (iii)an angular position of the door; and (iv) a period of time for the doorto move from a first position to a second position; and determining amass moment of inertia of the door using the determined one of theplurality of operating characteristics.
 11. The method of claim 10further comprising modifying an operating characteristic of the doorcloser assembly using the determined mass moment of inertia.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the modifying the operating characteristicincludes modifying a closing rate of the door.
 13. The method of claim10 further comprising determining the torque value as a function ofapplying a braking torque to the door with the door closer and measuringthe period of time for the door to move from the first position to thesecond position.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprisingdetermining the torque value as a function of an angular acceleration ofthe door over the measured period of time.
 15. The method of claim 14further comprising determining a net torque value as a function of apredetermined starting spring force of the bias element and a doubleintegral of the determined angular acceleration.
 16. The method of claim15 wherein the determining the mass moment of inertia includesdetermining the mass moment of inertia as a function of the determinednet torque and the determined angular acceleration.
 17. The method ofclaim 10 further comprising determining the torque value as a functionof applying a braking torque to the door with the door closer,determining the period of time for the door to move from the firstposition to the second position, and determining the angular position ofthe door with an angular position sensor.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein the determining the mass moment of inertia includes determiningthe mass moment of inertia as a function of the determined angularposition, the determined period of time, and the determined torquevalue.
 19. The method of claim 13 further comprising determining theangular position of the door with an angular position sensor.
 20. Themethod of claim 19 wherein the determining the mass moment of inertiaincludes determining the mass moment of inertia as a function of thedetermined angular position, the determined period of time, a determinedangular acceleration of the door, and the determined torque value.